Barefoot Contessa’s Zesty Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe

Lemon vinaigrette adds a bright, zesty kick to any salad without overwhelming its ingredients.

The blend of citrus juice and olive oil makes every bite feel fresh and vibrant.

A few pantry staples come together in seconds, yet the taste feels elevated and refined.

Layered over greens or grains, the result is always crisp, clean, and full of life.

Anyone looking for an easy way to upgrade salads will find this vinaigrette incredibly rewarding.

Get ready to turn a basic dish into something memorable.

Delight in the Zest of Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing

• Zesty Flavor Explosion: This lemon vinaigrette bursts with bright, tangy citrus notes that instantly wake up any salad, transforming ordinary greens into a mouthwatering dish with minimal effort.
• Incredibly Simple Preparation: Whipping up this dressing takes less than 5 minutes, requiring just a whisk and a few basic ingredients, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels who want maximum flavor with minimal complexity.
• Versatile Kitchen Staple: Beyond salads, this vinaigrette works magic as a marinade for grilled chicken, a drizzle over roasted vegetables, or a quick dipping sauce, proving its worth as a multi-purpose culinary secret weapon that elevates multiple dishes.
• Clean, Fresh Ingredients: Using only fresh lemon juice, high-quality olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper, this dressing delivers pure, clean flavors without any artificial additives or complicated components.

Essential Components for Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing

• Lemon Juice: Bright, tangy core of the vinaigrette that provides fresh acidic flavor. Fresh lemons are best for maximum zesty taste.
• Olive Oil: Smooth base that creates emulsion and adds rich, silky texture. Extra virgin olive oil recommended for best quality.

• Kosher Salt: Essential flavor enhancer that balances the citrus and oil. Coarse texture helps distribute seasoning evenly.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the vinaigrette. Freshly ground provides more robust, aromatic flavor.

Step-by-Step Guide for Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing

Step 1: Gather Fresh Ingredients

Collect all necessary components for the zesty dressing, including fresh lemon, high-quality olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper.

Step 2: Squeeze Lemon Juice

Roll the lemon on the countertop to release juices, then cut and squeeze out bright, tangy liquid into a mixing bowl.

Step 3: Prepare Mixing Container

Select a small mixing bowl or measuring cup that allows easy whisking and comfortable movement.

Step 4: Combine Liquid Base

Pour lemon juice into the container, then slowly stream in olive oil while whisking continuously to create a smooth emulsion.

Step 5: Season With Precision

• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Step 6: Whisk Until Smooth

Vigorously whisk the ingredients together, ensuring the oil and lemon juice blend seamlessly and create a unified dressing.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust

Sample the vinaigrette and fine-tune seasoning as needed, adding pinches of salt or pepper to suit your palate.

Step 8: Store or Serve

Transfer the vinaigrette to a serving container or use immediately on salads, vegetables, or as a marinade for proteins.

Insider Tips for Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing

• Squeeze with Precision: Roll lemons on the counter before juicing to maximize juice extraction and minimize effort.
• Whisk Like a Pro: Use a small bowl or jar with a tight lid to emulsify ingredients quickly and create a smooth, creamy texture.
• Elevate Your Greens: Drizzle this zesty vinaigrette over mixed greens, roasted vegetables, or grilled fish for an instant flavor boost.
• Store Smart: Keep the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator, giving it a quick shake before each use to recombine ingredients.
• Herb Enhancement: Chop fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme to add a layer of complexity and freshness to the vinaigrette.

Keep Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing Fresh

• Glass Jar Method: Transfer the vinaigrette into a clean glass mason jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake vigorously before each use to recombine separated ingredients, ensuring a perfect blend of flavors every time.
• Vacuum Seal Technique: Pour the dressing into a vacuum-sealed container to maximize freshness and prevent oxidation. This method dramatically extends the dressing's shelf life, keeping it flavorful and vibrant for up to 10 days.
• Ice Cube Preservation: Freeze the vinaigrette in silicone ice cube trays for long-term storage. Pop out individual portions as needed, thaw quickly at room temperature, and whisk to restore original consistency. Perfect for meal preppers and busy home cooks who want convenience without sacrificing taste.

Creative Spins on Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing

• Herbal Zest Blend: Add fresh chopped herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley to introduce vibrant green notes and earthy undertones to the classic lemon vinaigrette.
• Mediterranean Infusion: Incorporate minced garlic and a splash of white wine vinegar for a richer, more complex flavor profile that transports your taste buds to coastal Mediterranean cuisine.
• Spicy Citrus Kick: Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to create a tangy dressing with a gentle heat that awakens your palate and adds excitement to salads.
• Creamy Lemon Variation: Blend in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or Dijon mustard to transform the light vinaigrette into a smoother, more luxurious dressing with added depth and creaminess.

Closing Reflections on Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing

Barefoot Contessa’s lemon vinaigrette dressing emerges as culinary magic with its zesty simplicity.

Mediterranean flavors dance through each whisked ingredient, creating liquid sunshine for salads.

Ina Garten’s signature touch transforms basic components into a remarkable dressing that elevates any green ensemble.

Fresh lemon juice meets premium olive oil in perfect harmony, promising bright and balanced notes.

Salt and pepper provide essential depth, making this recipe a kitchen staple for passionate cooks.

Drizzle this golden elixir and watch how one simple dressing can revolutionize meal experiences – craving more kitchen inspiration like this?

Share your culinary adventures, drop comments below, and spread deliciousness with fellow recipe enthusiasts!

Barefoot Contessa Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s lemon vinaigrette dressing brings Mediterranean sunshine to salads with zesty, fresh flavors. Whisked together in minutes, this simple recipe promises a bright, tangy companion that elevates any green ensemble you toss.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 120 ml (4 fluid ounces) olive oil
• 60 ml (2 fluid ounces) freshly squeezed lemon juice

Seasonings:

• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Create a vibrant vinaigrette by combining freshly squeezed lemon juice (about or 30 milliliters) with high-quality extra virgin olive oil (or 60 milliliters) in a small mixing bowl.
2. Enhance the dressing with precise seasoning, carefully sprinkling of kosher salt and of freshly cracked black pepper into the liquid mixture.
3. Whisk the ingredients vigorously using a fork or small wire whisk, ensuring the salt completely dissolves and the oil and lemon juice emulsify into a smooth, integrated dressing with a light, bright consistency.
4. Taste the vinaigrette and make final adjustments, adding additional salt or pepper in small increments to achieve a perfectly balanced flavor profile that complements your intended dish.

Notes

• Elevate your dressing by using freshly squeezed lemon juice for a zesty, vibrant punch that store-bought juice can’t match.
• Select a high-quality extra virgin olive oil to create a rich, smooth base that transforms the entire vinaigrette.
• Personalize the seasoning by experimenting with salt and pepper levels until you discover your perfect flavor balance.
• Prepare the vinaigrette in advance and refrigerate for up to a week, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
• Boost complexity by introducing a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a finely minced garlic clove for an unexpected flavor dimension.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 160mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg